The Rise of Downhill Biking

Over the past 15 years, downhill biking has grown in popularity across the nation and worldwide. Full suspension bikes, operated by individuals covered in equipment similar to that used for downhill skiing and/or dirt biking has become one of the greatest new thrills for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The sport consists of racing with gravity assisted steep, downhill terrain, at high speed descents, catching extended air time off jumps and over and around other obstacles.

Ski Resorts across the country have caught on to the importance of destination-quality mountain bike programs, seeing it as a valuable summer and fall business opportunity. You can currently find custom downhill terrain bike parks in most well known mountain towns throughout Colorado, Utah, Wyoming.

Since the early 90′s downhill biking began taking over ski resorts as successful building and design teams started constructing downhill mountain bike parks in North America and Europe. This summer, check out the new parks being launched, satisfying thrill seekers in various mountain towns and answering the calling of faster, steeper riding nationwide.

The Intermountain West is home to the majority of downhill mountain bike trails. Right here in our own backyard Jackson Hole Mountain Resort will debut their downhill mecca mid June with options for every level! 

Wyoming

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort chair lift opens June 18th

Grand Targhee is hosting a downhill mountain bike race series this summer

Colorado

Steamboat Ski Resort is building 13k of downhill trails this year! And Snowmass just received extensive press on their expansion of the summer trail system with a 3.5-mile route that’s packed with banks, bridges, climbs and even some whoop-de-doos! Read More on Snowmass.

Trestle Bike Park in Winter Park has dramatically grown over the past few years with the help of the Gravity Logic crew, answering the call of the downhill community for bigger, better and faster!

Utah

Home to the most well known trails in the west where they host the Intermountain Cup Race Series from May to August every summer, the main three resorts include but not limited to:

Park City Mountain Resort

Deer Valley Resort

The Canyons Resort.

The biking community has grown dramatically over the past 15 years, transitioning from BMX to 35-40lb downhill bikes shuttled uphill via chair lift, gondola or tram up the nations greatest ski resorts. For more information on bike trails in Utah and the Intermountain West, purchase the book: Mountain Biking in Utah.

Full suspension bikes, helmets and body armour are not limited to the Rockies and The Wild West. The sport is increasing in popularity from coast to coast, with a rise in northwest and northeast ski resorts as well!  Be sure to inquire with your local mountain on any progression they may be making toward the sport!